Minyip-Murtoa welcome Cronin and Timms as juniors return to club

RECRUIT: Mitchell Cronin gets a kick away while playing for Tatyoon in the Mininera and District Football League. Cronin will join up with former teammate Damian Cameron at Minyip-Murtoa after winning the Hawks best and fairest in 2017. Picture: PETER PICKERING

MINYIP-MURTOA will back local talent and a similar list to help it improve in 2018 after falling short in the past two Wimmera Football League Grand Finals.

Mitchell Cronin and Ollie Timms have agreed to joining the club from Tatyoon and the Horsham Saints respectively in order to add depth to the club’s midfield group.

Incoming president Scott Arnold said Cronin was a good addition to the club after he won the best and fairest award at the Mininera and District Football League club this year.

“He’s a speedy midfielder and is already good friends with Damian Cameron from when they played together down there,” he said.

“Mitch is keen to try and improves himself up here in the Wimmera league. He also kicked 36 goals this year so he has good goal sense when he drifts forward.”

Timms is also expected to spend a lot of time on the ball working at the feet of Kieran Dleahunty and Matt Coleman.

“He’s already been working hard with Damian out on the track doing some running,” Arnold said.

In addition to two players confirmed to be joining the squad a number of former players look set to return and put their hands up for selection.

Jake Ballagh and Fergus Schier will also return to the squad having played in the Victorian Amateur Football Association in 2017 while at university.

“Jake will be a valuable rover while Fergus will be a key position player who can possibly play as a young ruckman as well,” Arnold said.

“There is certainly some more youth coming into the squad for the coming season and it will change the demographic of the squad.”

Cooper Bateson will not be wearing Burras colours in the Wimmera league next season after signing with with the Bell Park Dragons in the Geelong Football League.